C56/100

Manchester Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 40,893 residents · New Jersey

What's In Manchester's Tap Water?

66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
< 0.001 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

9

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 11, 2023 – November 21, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to conduct Level 1 Assessment

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 19, 2023 – July 21, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2023 – June 29, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2023 – June 29, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

Understanding violation severity

Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly

Water Utility Details

CEDAR GLEN WEST WATER CO
Population Served

1,300

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

NJ1518003

MANCHESTER TWP WATER UTILITY - WESTERN
Population Served

15,613

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

NJ1518004

MANCHESTER TWP WATER UTILITY - EASTERN
Population Served

23,980

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

NJ1518005

Frequently Asked Questions About Manchester Water

Is Manchester tap water safe to drink?

Manchester, New Jersey tap water receives a grade of C (56/100), which is considered fair. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 75 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Manchester's water?

Of the 66 contaminants tested in Manchester's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA, Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 5 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Manchester have any water quality violations?

Yes, Manchester has 75 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, RPT, Other. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Manchester?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Manchester is recommended. 3 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.

Where does Manchester's tap water come from?

Manchester's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CEDAR GLEN WEST WATER CO and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 40,893 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Manchester's water tested?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Manchester's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.

How does Manchester's water compare to other cities in New Jersey?

Manchester's water quality score of 56/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our New Jersey state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Manchester's water quality?

If you have concerns about Manchester's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (CEDAR GLEN WEST WATER CO) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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